4. The Synergy Between Organisation, Productivity and Well-being Through Resource Management
Although well-being may seem like an abstract concept, it is actually based on a very concrete basis: productivity. When an organisation produces value, that value spreads to employees, customers, and society. But there is a critical point here. Increasing productivity is not always the same as increasing real well-being.
We can think of it this way: A company can do more with fewer people. The numbers get better. But in this process, employees get tired, exhausted, and over time, productivity also decreases. What is gained in the short run is lost in the long run. This balance is much more sensitive for people with disabilities. Because sustainability in business life, that is, being able to work long-term, is much more important than instant efficiency.
There are 2 primary sources, and both are directly linked to well-being:
| Human capital | Social capital |
|---|---|
| Knowledge, skills, health and learning capacity. When an employee can develop these resources, they both contribute more to their job and feel more competent and meaningful. Access to educational opportunities is the most basic way for this capital to grow. | Trust, communication and cooperation between people. When people trust each other in a workplace, information is shared more easily, problems are solved faster, and everyone feels better. It's an invisible source, but the impact is enormous. |
For people with disabilities, these two sources are particularly decisive. In the right organisation, these resources are protected and developed. In the wrong organisation, it quickly runs out.
As a fact, an employee who feels good is more productive. A more productive employee contributes more to the organisation. When the organisation rewards this contribution fairly, the employee feels valued, and the cycle continues.
But this cycle can easily be reversed. Excessive workload, feeling undervalued, poor physical conditions and social isolation erode well-being. As well-being declines, so does productivity. If the organisation continues to demand greater productivity without realising this, over time both the employee and the organisation lose out.
It can be said quite clearly that mental health issues are the factor that affects productivity the most among all workplace factors. More so than the physical environment or working conditions. This alone explains why organisations should invest in employee well-being.
4.a. Questions Worth Asking When Making Career Decisions
Finding the right workplace directly determines the sustainability of your career, as it reflects how an organisation manages you, safeguards your resources and values your well-being. The 10 questions below can help you determine whether an organisation is truly the right fit for you:
| Inclusion & Accessibility |
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|---|---|
| Professional Development |
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| Well-being & Sustainable Working Conditions |
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| Organisational Culture & Support |
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